Decentralized inspection – centralized control

Systems with multiple smart cameras can quickly become complex. Each camera has its own inspection jobs, settings, images and user access. This can make changes and troubleshooting unnecessarily time-consuming.

OCTUMISEr brings the connected In-Sight cameras together in a single operating interface.

The software provides:

A central overview of all inspection stations
Visualization of camera images
Consistent operation of multiple cameras
Centralized management of users and access rights
Storage of relevant inspection and defect images
Quick access to the most recently identified nonconforming (NOK) parts
Centralized system and diagnostic functions

Full integration of Cognex In-Sight Explorer makes it possible to edit inspection jobs without accessing each camera separately from a dedicated workstation.

Your benefits with OCTUMISEr

Visibility across all inspection stations

All connected cameras and relevant inspection results are displayed in one interface. Operators and service personnel can see more quickly which station is active and where a deviation occurred.

Consistent operation

Different camera stations share one operating concept. This reduces training effort and makes it easier to work with equipment that has multiple inspection points.

Early defect detection

Inspection results are available immediately after the corresponding process step. Nonconforming parts can be identified early, documented and rejected through the machine control system.

Less scrap and rework

If defects are found as soon as they occur, downstream production steps need not be performed on nonconforming parts. This can reduce scrap, material use and rework costs.

Centralized system management

Users, access rights, inspection jobs, images and backups can be managed across the system. This simplifies the operation of complex multi-camera systems.

Up to 99 cameras in one interface

OCTUMISEr supports the simultaneous connection of up to 99 Cognex In-Sight cameras.

Typically, one terminal controls several inspection stations on a production line. A higher-level setup is also possible in which one terminal centrally controls and monitors multiple production lines, each with its own inspection stations.

The software is therefore suited to compact inspection stations, machines and production lines with many inspection points, and centralized control of multiple lines.

Typical applications include:

Multiple inspection positions on one machine
Combined assembly and completeness checks
Different cameras along a production process
Camera-based inspection of multiple sides of a product
Networked inspection stations in complex equipment
Centralized operation of inspection positions in different locations
Centralized control of multiple production lines with their own inspection stations

Camera images can be viewed together and examined in detail using zoom and pan functions. The interface is optimized for touchscreens.

OCTUMISEr interface showing six camera views, status indicators and inspection results.

Consistent visualization of inspection results

A centralized interface improves both operation and the ability to respond to process deviations.

OCTUMISEr clearly displays images and results from connected inspection stations. Depending on the application, it can show pass/fail results, status information, inspection features and defect images.

The display of the most recent NOK images is particularly useful. Operators and quality assurance teams can determine more quickly:

Which product failed inspection
At which inspection station the defect was detected
Which inspection feature was affected
What the detected defect looks like in the camera image

This speeds up troubleshooting and helps teams assess production deviations more precisely.

Centralized management of inspection jobs

Product changeovers, new variants and changes to inspection features require updates to camera inspection jobs.

OCTUMISEr supports centralized change management without requiring direct, individual access to every connected camera. Cognex In-Sight Explorer functions are embedded in the OCTUMISEr interface, allowing inspection jobs to be edited and managed from one place.

Depending on the system configuration, inspection programs or jobs can be:

Selected centrally
Edited
Managed
Saved
Backed up
Versioned
Assigned to the relevant cameras
Released or locked

After a restart, the most recently used inspection job can be loaded automatically. This helps the production equipment resume operation with the intended configuration.

Integrated Cognex In-Sight Explorer and In-Sight Vision Suite

OCTUMISEr fully integrates Cognex In-Sight Explorer into the centralized operating environment. It also provides visualization and operation of the newer Cognex In-Sight Vision Suite.

This retains familiar functions for creating and configuring In-Sight inspection jobs while integrating them into an overarching operating, user and data management concept.

This benefits:

Application and engineering teams
Commissioning
Product format and variant changes
Diagnostics
Service
Optimization of existing inspection jobs

Access to individual cameras is controlled through the central software interface. Integration of In-Sight Explorer or In-Sight Vision Suite reduces the need to switch between systems and simplifies the operation and support of large camera systems.

Integrated image storage for defect analysis and documentation

Inspection images are essential for defect analysis, process optimization and quality assurance.

OCTUMISEr can store camera images centrally according to application-specific criteria. Images can be stored with or without graphical overlays.

Possible storage criteria include:

All inspection images
Only NOK images
Selected defect classes
Specific formats or products
Defined production periods
Event-based storage

Integrated storage monitoring helps users keep track of available capacity.
Centralized image storage makes it easier to compare recurring defects and supports traceable assessments of process deviations.

User, group and access rights management

Different user groups in production equipment need access to different functions.

OCTUMISEr provides centralized management of:

Users
User groups
Roles
Access rights
Password rules

For example, you can define who may:

View inspection results
Change product formats
Change parameters
Edit inspection jobs
Manage users
Perform backups or restores

Password rules, such as minimum complexity and expiration periods, can be defined. Integration with the customer’s Active Directory is optional.

System protection for production use

A production computer should provide only the functions needed for reliable operation of the equipment.

With an appropriately configured Windows installation, OCTUMISEr can block critical Windows functions and restrict access to the operating system. This helps prevent operators from accidentally changing settings or opening functions they are not authorized to use.

Required functions are instead made available in a controlled manner through the OCTUMISEr interface. For example, Windows File Explorer can be blocked while a function in OCTUMISEr provides authorized access to needed files. Integrated user, group and access rights management determines who may view, manage or delete data. This helps prevent unauthorized deletion and accidental data loss.

System protection supports:

Stable production processes
Clearly defined operator functions
Protection against operating errors and data loss
Controlled access to files and administrative functions
Role-based permissions for data management
Consistent system configurations

The operating and security concept is tailored to the machine, user groups and operational requirements of each project.

Backup and restore for camera systems

In the event of a system failure, having a backup is only part of the solution. How quickly production can resume also matters.

OCTUMISEr provides a comprehensive backup and restore concept for:

Hard drives
Databases
Connected sensors or cameras
Inspection jobs
System configurations

Backups can be scheduled or triggered by events and stored on separate storage media. An event-based backup can be made, for example, before or after defined changes to inspection jobs or system configurations.

In the event of a failure, relevant system components can be restored selectively. This supports a quick restart and reduces the risk of losing inspection jobs or configuration data.

Interfaces and machine integration

OCTUMISEr is integrated into the existing automation environment as part of a machine or production line.

Depending on the project, communication and data exchange options include:

TCP/IP
Digital inputs and outputs
PROFINET
EtherNet/IP
SQL Server connection

Depending on the system architecture, cameras can send their data directly to the PLC. Individual inspection stations and the central OCTUMISEr system can also send data to the PLC. This allows data flow to be adapted to the machine, production line and control architecture.

Information transferred may include:

Pass/fail results
Camera status
Inspection readiness
Product format and job information
Error and diagnostic messages
Production data
Reject signals

For system integration, OCTUM considers not only the cameras but also triggers, cycle times, data flows, PLC communication and the operating concept. This creates a consistent integration of machine vision into the automation and production environment.

SQL Server connection for centralized job and data management

For larger system concepts, OCTUMISEr can connect to a SQL Server. The database can be used to centrally manage production-line-specific order data, such as format selection and target data.
This enables centralized and automated control of production processes across multiple lines.

OCTUMISEr and OCTUMISEr CFR – functions at a glance

OCTUMISEr brings the operation, visualization and management of multiple inspection stations together in one software interface.

Function or feature	OCTUMISEr Base	OCTUMISEr CFR
Centralized operation and monitoring of multiple inspection stations	Yes	Yes
Up to 99 Cognex In-Sight cameras	Yes	Yes
Centralized display of stations and camera images	Yes	Yes
Consistent operation of multiple cameras	Yes	Yes
Integrated Cognex In-Sight Explorer	Yes	Yes
Centralized user management and access rights	Yes	Yes
Role-based permissions	Yes	Yes
Storage of relevant inspection and defect images	Yes	Yes
Quick access to recently identified NOK parts	Yes	Yes
Backup and Restore	Yes	Yes
Centralized diagnostic and service tools	Yes	Yes
Audit trail for relevant changes	No	Yes
Centralized storage of inspection jobs in SQL	No	Yes
Versioning of inspection jobs	No	Yes
Configurable password rules	Yes	Yes
Controlled, traceable changes to security-related settings	No	Yes
Support for 21 CFR Part 11 requirements	No	Yes
Use in regulated pharmaceutical and medical device production	No	Yes

Multilingual interface for international production equipment

Production equipment is often used at different sites or by international teams.

OCTUMISEr can be equipped with a multilingual user interface, enabling a consistent operating concept across countries and production sites.

This supports:

International machine projects
Consistent operation across sites
Training in different languages
Standardized user guidance

The required languages are agreed upon for each project.

Typical inspection tasks with OCTUMISEr

OCTUMISEr can be used for a variety of inspections with Cognex In-Sight cameras.

Assembly and completeness inspection

Checking whether components, seals, closures, clips or other parts are present, correctly positioned and fully assembled.

Dimensional and geometry inspection

Inspecting distances, diameters, angles, positions and other geometric features.

Surface inspection

Detecting scratches, contamination, material defects, damage and visual deviations.

Code and human-readable text inspection

Reading and verifying barcodes, Data Matrix codes, serial numbers, batch data and other markings.

Label inspection

Checking label presence, position, orientation, print quality, content and legibility.

Variant and format verification

Checking whether the produced part and active inspection job match the specified product variant.

Industries for OCTUMISEr

OCTUMISEr can be used in industrial production equipment across many sectors.

Typical applications are found in:

Pharmaceuticals
Medical devices
Cosmetics
Packaging
Automotive
Plastics processing
Food processing
Other industrial manufacturing sectors

Technical overview

Connection of up to 99 Cognex In-Sight cameras
Centralized visualization of all camera images
Zoom and pan functions
Full integration of In-Sight Explorer
Touchscreen-optimized user interface
Centralized user, group and access rights management
Configurable password rules
Optional Active Directory integration
Image storage with or without overlays
Display of the most recent NOK images
Monitoring of available storage space
Automatic startup with the most recently used inspection job
TCP/IP, digital I/O, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP
SQL Server connection
Multilingual user interface
Backup and restore functions
CFR version with an audit trail and job versioning

OCTUMISEr as part of a complete inspection solution

OCTUM does not provide OCTUMISEr as a standalone software component. As a systems integrator, OCTUM matches cameras, optics, lighting, inspection jobs, computer hardware, operation, interfaces and machine integration to the application.

Services may include:

Analysis of the inspection task
Selection and design of In-Sight cameras
Lighting and optics concept
Creation of inspection jobs
OCTUMISEr configuration
PLC and machine integration
User and access rights concept
Image and data storage
Backup and restore concept
Commissioning
Training
Support and expansion

Frequently asked questions

What is OCTUMISEr?

OCTUMISEr is centralized software for operating, visualizing and managing networked Cognex In-Sight cameras. It brings camera images, inspection results, user management, image storage and system functions together in one interface.

How many cameras can be connected to OCTUMISEr?

OCTUMISEr supports up to 99 Cognex In-Sight cameras within one system.

Does OCTUMISEr perform the actual image processing?

Inspection jobs run on the connected In-Sight smart cameras. OCTUMISEr handles centralized operation, visualization, management, data storage and camera integration.

Can existing Cognex In-Sight cameras be integrated?

OCTUMISEr is designed for networked Cognex In-Sight cameras. Whether existing camera models, firmware versions and inspection jobs can be reused is assessed during a technical review of the installed system.

Can several camera images be displayed at the same time?

Yes. OCTUMISEr shows the connected inspection stations in a single interface. Camera images can also be enlarged and panned.

Can NOK images be stored?

Yes. Depending on the configuration, images can be stored with or without overlays. The most recent NOK images are available for quick defect analysis.

Does OCTUMISEr support centralized user management?

Yes. Users, groups, access rights and password rules can be managed centrally. Connection to the customer’s Active Directory is optional.

Is OCTUMISEr suitable for pharmaceuticals and medical devices?

OCTUMISEr CFR is available for regulated production environments. This version offers an audit trail, role-based user management, centralized data archiving and job versioning, among other functions. The specific regulatory configuration is determined for each project.

Can backups be created automatically?

Yes. Scheduled backups to separate storage media and restore functions for the hard drive, database and camera systems are provided.

Can OCTUMISEr be retrofitted to existing equipment?

In principle, integration into existing equipment is possible. Camera models, the network, computer hardware, PLC interfaces, existing inspection jobs and the operating concept are assessed first.

Multiple cameras. One central interface.

Would you like to operate multiple Cognex In-Sight cameras consistently, manage inspection jobs centrally and analyze defect images more quickly?
We develop an OCTUMISEr concept tailored to your machine, cameras, user roles and documentation requirements.

OCTUM USA Inc.

14045 South Lakes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273
USA

Phone: +1 (980) 431-9540
Email: info@octum-usa.com